"You guys really don’t need to wait for me." Shen Siyuan watched the waiter bring the dishes to the table and brought up the topic again. They were already at a restaurant named "Da Heng Seafood," and it was already two o’clock. Thanks to Ruan Hongzhuang making a reservation in advance, the dishes were served as soon as they arrived. At this time, everyone was hungry. Even though Shen Siyuan had an airplane meal, he was still starved; after all, that small portion wasn’t even enough to fill the gap between his teeth. As for Tang Tang, since she was asleep, Shen Siyuan didn’t wake her up, and he helped eat her portion. "Eating with you makes it taste better and more appetizing," Taozi said. Ruan Hongzhuang agreed with this. Every time she watched Shen Siyuan eat, her appetite seemed to grow. Tang Tang, who was beside them, couldn’t wait any longer and pointed to a plate of Boston lobster, eagerly wanting Mao Sanmei to serve her some. But since Shen Siyuan hadn’t moved his chopsticks yet, Mao Sanmei was hesitant to go first. "Everyone’s hungry. Let’s eat; among family, there’s no need to be formal," Shen Siyuan said with a smile. Only then did Mao Sanmei reach out her chopsticks to serve a big piece of lobster meat with garlic sauce for Tang Tang, who had always enjoyed eating them. Of course, she especially enjoyed using crab claws to pinch Dou Dou’s butt after eating. "By the way, Captain Song heard you’re back today and wanted to ask if you have time tomorrow for a visit," Taozi mentioned during the meal. Since Song Meixian came to explain things last time, it seems she’s become connected with Taozi, and they’ve been in touch quite frequently lately. "What could I possibly be busy with? But are they really in such a hurry?" "Why wouldn’t they be anxious? They know well the effects of the Elixir Pill. Before, when you hadn’t expressed an interest in collaborating, they hesitated to ask. Now that you’re willing to talk to them, naturally, they’re eager," Ruan Hongzhuang quietly explained. "You’ve got a point. Do you have anything at your company tomorrow?" Shen Siyuan asked after thinking. "Why? Do you want me to accompany you to meet them?" Ruan Hongzhuang quickly caught on. Upon hearing this, Ruan Hongzhuang put down her chopsticks and said somewhat seriously, "What are you really planning? Do you want to have a long-term collaboration with the officials, or just provide a batch of elixirs for some benefits?" "I haven’t made up my mind yet, but I do want to do something, and I’ll definitely need to rely on the officials," Shen Siyuan replied after thinking it over. Thıs text ıs hosted at 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⚫𝕗𝕚𝕣𝕖⚫𝕟𝕖𝕥 "What kind of things? Tell me more," Ruan Hongzhuang said with curiosity. "Let’s eat first, and we’ll talk slowly after we finish," Shen Siyuan suggested. "Right, let’s eat first. We have so many dishes," Taozi chimed in. Annoyed, Ruan Hongzhuang playfully tapped Taozi’s hand with the end of her chopstick. "All you think about is food. This time, you handle Si Yuan’s affairs." "What?" Taozi exclaimed, eyes wide in surprise. With her greasy mouth and her current expression, it looked particularly funny, causing Ruan Hongzhuang to burst out laughing. "Can’t you at least wipe your mouth?" "Oh, I’m not done eating yet," Taozi murmured softly but still took a napkin to wipe her mouth. "You weren’t serious about what you said earlier, were you?" Taozi continued to press. "Of course, I was serious. I have a ton of things going on at the company, leaving me no extra time. You eat and sleep every day, so take this opportunity to help Si Yuan with some matters," Ruan Hongzhuang said. "I can’t handle it! I can’t..." Taozi quickly waved her hand. "It’s not up to you," Ruan Hongzhuang said, turning her gaze to Shen Siyuan. Shen Siyuan nodded with a smile, "You can give it a try." Hearing this, Taozi immediately pulled a long face, though it didn’t affect her appetite at all. "I’m back!" Duoduo called into the house. While Shen Siyuan was eating, Dou Dou and the other two had already returned home. When they reached Bin Hai Airport, Shen Siyuan released the three of them from the Ten Thousand Soul Banner. Returning to a familiar place, the three little ones quickly rode the Yin Wind back home; of course, Xiao Yue returned to Shen Siyuan’s place, as she didn’t have a home, and now this was her home. Lin Jianming heard the voice and walked out from the store. It’s worth mentioning, what started as fulfilling Duoduo’s wish of opening the Yunduo Convenience Store had turned into a thriving business. Lin Jianming and his wife had endless work every day, but they enjoyed it immensely. As they got older, they feared loneliness the most, but with customers coming and going, they no longer had that worry. Moreover, selling things became an addiction. Although they didn’t make much money, every completed transaction gave them a sense of accomplishment. So the couple was very enthusiastic, opening the store every day as punctually as reporting to work. Song Qingwei also came out from the store and immediately took Duoduo from her father’s embrace. "Did you miss Mommy?" Song Qingwei kissed her cheek. "Just a little? Mommy thinks of you every day, you know," Song Qingwei said as she carried her into the store. There were no customers in the store at this time, which is why Duoduo chose this moment to become visible. "But... I missed you very, very much," Duoduo hurriedly explained. "Haha, very, very much? How so?" Lin Jianming, who followed them in, found it amusing. "Don’t laugh. I’m serious!" Duoduo said angrily. "Alright, I won’t laugh. I won’t laugh... hehe..." "Mommy, look, Daddy is teasing me," Duoduo complained to Song Qingwei, pointing at Lin Jianming. "Then tonight, we won’t give him dinner," Song Qingwei joked. She relished this dependence and closeness from her daughter. "If you don’t give me dinner, I’ll starve to death," Lin Jianming laughed. "Liar, skipping one meal won’t kill you. I went hungry for a long time before and didn’t die; my tummy just wouldn’t give in." Duoduo, thinking she’s smart, indicated that they couldn’t fool her. The couple fell silent instantly, and Song Qingwei’s good mood evaporated as her eyes reddened. Feeling that the atmosphere was off, Duoduo asked in confusion, "What’s wrong?" "Oh, nothing. Just that we’re letting Daddy go hungry more often so his tummy can hurt longer," Lin Jianming forced a smile. Duoduo thought for a while and said, "Better not. I don’t want your tummy to hurt." Her words brought tears from Lin Jianming, who was trying to hold back laughter. "Oh, my little darling." He took her from Song Qingwei’s arms, feeling as if his heart had been stabbed by countless knives, the pain cutting deep. "Auntie, don’t be sad. I have good news to tell you," Duoduo said with a smile, trying to comfort them. "Oh, what good news? Quick, tell Mommy," Song Qingwei said, discreetly wiping away her tears. "I can transform into anything, just like Sun Monkey," Duoduo said excitedly. And she struggled to get out of Lin Jianming’s arms. She wanted to show off her new skill properly. If she didn’t show her mommy and daddy after learning, it was as if she hadn’t learned it at all.